Abstract

Background

Nutritional status often deteriorates in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Less is known about
whether nutritional care reverses malnutrition and its harmful consequences in AD.
The aim of this study is to examine whether individualized nutritional care has an
effect on weight, nutrition, health, physical functioning, and quality of life in
older individuals with AD and their spouses living at home.

Methods

AD patients and their spouses (aged >65 years) living at home (n = 202, 102 AD patients)
were recruited using central AD registers in Finland. The couples were randomized
into intervention and control groups. A trained nutritionist visited intervention
couples 4–8 times at their homes and the couples received tailored nutritional care.
When necessary, the couples were given protein and nutrient-enriched complementary
drinks. All intervention couples were advised to take vitamin D 20 μg/day. The intervention
lasted for one year. The couples of the control group received a written guide on
nutrition of older people. Participants in the intervention group were assessed every
three months. The primary outcome measure is weight change. Secondary measures are
the intake of energy, protein, and other nutrients, nutritional status, cognition,
caregiver’s burden, depression, health related quality of life and grip strength.

Discussion

This study provides data on whether tailored nutritional care is beneficial to home-dwelling
AD patients and their spouses.